Rep. Tim Scott will assume Jim DeMint’s U.S. Senate seat in January, Gov. Nikki Haley announced. At a 12 p.m. press conference on Monday, Haley said part of her decision was based on Scott’s pro-business but anti-worker stance, specifying his record of argument against the National Labor Review Board as example. “I have no doubt that the entire state knows that this is the right man for our state and for our country,” said Haley, who shared campaign events with Scott in 2010 when each was first elected to their current office. Scott returned the compliments when accepting the appointment. “South Carolina is better because we have Nikki Haley as our governor.” He said economic issues would be a primary focus when he takes the senate seat in January. He’d also spend time campaigning for the 2014 special election, he inferred. “I look forward to taking the opportunity to introduce myself across the state.” Scott has represented parts of Charleston on county council and in the state legislature, and currently represents the Lowcountry’s 1st Congressional District. He’s never campaigned in other parts of South Carolina, however. In 2014, voters statewide get to choose if Scott or another candidate will complete the remaining two years of DeMint’s term. DeMint, who announced his resignation on Dec. 6, joined Haley and Scott at the press conference, as did Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. Trey Gowdy. “I’ve known (Scott) for years and am confident he will serve our state with honor and distinction,” DeMint stated this afternoon in an email. The outgoing senator will become president of the Heritage Foundation in January. A special election will be held in early 2013 to fill Scott’s seat. Many local Republicans stated interest in the office, indicating potential need for a primary election. Should any Democratic Party candidates file to run for the office, its primary winner will face the final Republican nominee in a final election.Bobbie Rose, the Democratic nominee who ran against Scott in last month’s general election, expressed a tentative interest in the special election to Summerville Patch.